Crackdown on phone theft, tampering ordered

The city police have been ordered to launch a crackdown on elements involved in altering the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of stolen phones. It was also decided in a meeting to intensify patrolling and conduct decoy operations in plainclothes. Capital City Police Officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana directed the force to arrest those involved in pickpocketing and mobile phone theft and ordered increased surveillance at crowded places, markets, public gatherings and transport. The recovered stolen mobile phones will be analysed to identify those involved in tampering with the IMEI. The CCPO directed officers to verify identification documents and the relevant record in mobile phone transactions. He further ordered strict action against those involved in the purchase and sale of stolen phones and their parts.